Building material and method



July 23, 1940. J. c. P. LEEMHUIS BUILDING MATERIAL AND METHOD 3Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 31, 1958 W ATTORNEY INVENTOR do an s C PLearn/11 13 s Sheets-Sheet 2 July 23, 1940. J. c. P. LE EMHU|S BUILDINGMATERIAL AND METHOD Filed May 31, 1938 I ATTORNEY July 23', 0- J. c. P.LEEMHUIS BUILDING MATERIAL AND METHOD Filed May 31, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet5 bu/ls W ATTO RNEY MEN-r R Jolie/mes GP Laem BY W A ,P W n A PatentedJuly 1940 v PATENT OFFICE azoasas BUILDING MATERIAL AND METHOD JohannesC. P. Leemhuis, Los Angeles, Calif., as-

signor, by mesne assignments, to Edward James Donaldson, Africa-Johannesburg', Union of South Application May 31, 1938, Serial'No.210,921

15 Claims.

This invention relates to a building structure, and especially to oneutilizing preformed blocks or plates.

A wall structure constructed in this manner is described in Patent No.2,071,039, issued to J. C. P. Leemhuis on February 16, 1937, andentitled Hollow wall and plates for its construction. In this patent,plates or slabs with vertical pillar sections are so retained as toprovide an interior and an exterior fiat wall, with air spaces betweenthe walls. The courses of the plates or slabs on opposite sides of thewall are furthermore staggered. The vertical pillar sections of theplates on opposite sides of the wall are overlapped and tied together asby pins. Due to the intimate contact of these pillar sections, the wallstructure is particularly adapted to resist sagging and vibratory shockssuch as may be caused by earthquakes.

In order to render a construction of this character thoroughlypractical, a variety of plates or slabs should be made as a. standardassortment. For example, corner structures must be provided where twowalls meet; and similarly, sections must be provided to make it possibleto take ofl a right angle partition or wall from another wall.

It is one of the objects of this invention to make it possible to reducethe number of standard plates or slabs and yet to permit theconstruction of angles, take-ofis, etc., in a simple and effectivemanner.

It is another object of this invention to make it possible to form thecorners by mere overlapping of the vertical pillar sections at thecontiguous wall portions.

It is another object of this invention to make it possible, by providinga relatively few standard forms of plates, to construct any desired formof building structures which may involve the formation of window or dooropenings, right angled wall take-offs, corners, etc.

It has been found that by using the principles of construction disclosedin the prior patent, the wall structure exhibits excellent qualities ofstrength, rigidity, and resistance to shocks; and this in spite of thefact that the plates are not joined by mortar or cement. In fact, thenarrow spaces provided between adjacent edges of the plates may be leftopen; but for the sake of appearance, grouting may be added. The spacingbetween horizontal courses, however, may be utilized in a variety ofother ways, if desired. For example, the grouting in these spaces mayserve as a key between courses; or longitudinal metal reinforcement maybe placed therein.

In accordance with the present invention, the spaces between thevertical plate edges may provide a passage for fastening elements, suchas nails or bolts, to vertical studs that are continuous from top tobottom of the wall. Such studs may be wooden, or of other appropriatematerial. They contribute very materially to the strength of thestructure. They are interposed between vertical pillar sections at theedges of adjacent plates, so as to permit passage of the fastening meansto the studs.

It, is accordingly another object of this invention to make it possibleeffectively to build wall sections of preformed or precast materials, inassociation with continuous vertical studs that are substantiallycompletely covered by the plates.

It is another object of this invention so to proportion and form theplates and the reinforcement therefor, that the thickness and weight ofthe plates may be reduced. This feature is especially advantageous,since thereby the spaces between the two sets of plates forming the twosides of a wall are thus sufilciently wide to accommodate plumbing,conduits for electric wiring, ducts for air conditioning, and the like,as well as to provide greater accessability for the insertion of pins orother anchors used in assembling the wall structure. It also permits theuse of continuous vertical studs of greater cross section.

It is still another object of this invention to make it possible to usereinforcing material in a simple and effective way; and moreparticularly to supplement the embedded reinforcement by metal barsaccommodated between adjacent horizontal edges of the plates.

When walls have been built heretofore from 0 cement or concrete blocksor plates, it has been observed that condensation or a collection ofmoisture may exist on the wall surfaces. .The result is that at leastthe interior walls are required to be treated to correct this condition.It is still another object of this invention to obviate the need of anyspecial treatment of the walls, and particularly by ensuring that thewall, for substantially its entire extent, has no continuous cement orconcrete thickness from one tended to be placed in contact. Theinsulation material, being waterproof, effectively bars the seepage; orcollection of condensed moisture from the exterior surface to theinterior surface. It is thus still another object of this invention toprovide this insulation covering, preferably as an adherent layerdirectly overlying the plate surfaces.

The use of the paper or insulation is of additional value in the processof casting the plates. Such casting usually involves use of a moldstructure, into which the plastic mixture is poured. At the same time,the mold is subjected to vibration, in order to ensure complete fillingof the mold cavities, as well as homogeneity and good density. In orderthat the molds be economically utilized, it is essential that they beemptied as promptly as possible, to permit them to be used promptly forsuccessive casting operations. By lining the mold surfaces with theinsulation layer or paper, this economy of mold operation is readilyattained. The layer adheres to the molded faces of the newly cast plate;it serves thereby to prevent adhesion of the plate in the mold, andpermits stripping of the mold very shortly after the casting operation.Also, the layer of paper or insulation assists in supporting the castplates, and thereby reduces slumping.

The mold structure and method of molding described herein is made thesubject matter of an application filed in the name of Johannes C.

P. Leemhuis, Serial number 226,920, filed August 26, 1938, and entitledMethod and apparatus for molding.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objectswhich may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of oneembodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form inthe drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification.This form will now be described in detail, illustrating the generalprinciples of the invention; but it is to be understood that thisdetailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since thescope of this invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a pictorial illustration of a wall plate embodying theinvention, a part of the plate being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal cross-section of a wall and corner structureembodying the invention, parts of the wall plates being broken away inorder to limit the size of the figure;

Figs. 3 and 4 are, respectively, fragmentary pictorial views of thoseplates which cooperate to form the exterior right angle illustrated inthe upper left hand portion of Fig. 2, part of the plates being brokenaway to show the metallic reinforcement;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a wall structure embodying theinvention, shown in conjunction with a foundation and a roof platestructure;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the plane 6-6 of Fig.5;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along plane of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section showing the adjacent edges ofcourses of the plates forming a wall structure;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary horiz'ontal sectional view illustrating themanner in which additiona metallic reinforcement may be used;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view showing the manner in which a mold isprepared for the I casting of the plates;

Fig. 11 is a pictorial view showing a wall construction supporting anupper floor;

Fig. 12 is a detail section on an enlarged scale as seen on plane I2-I2of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view" as seen on plane I3-I3 of Fig. 12;and

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a part of a wall structure, illustratingthe manner in which a vertical pier or the like may be formed.

The typical wall structure illustrated by the horizontal section of Fig.2 utilizes a series of horizontal courses of plates, the section beingtaken through one such course. The plates are keyed or joined togetherby the aid of pins or bars, as described generally in the prior patenthereinabove referred to. In general, the plates forming opposite sidesof the wall structure are ping from a mold..

These vertical pillar sections all extend on a common side of the plateI. The opposite side of the plate I may form the exposed wall surface 6.As indicated in the prior patent referred to, the pillar sections 2, 3,4 and 5 cooperate with similar pillar sections of plates forming theopposite wall surface, to produce the hollow wall effect illustrated inFig. 2.

The plate I may also conveniently be provided wtih reinforcing iron orsteel wires or bars I. These reinforcing elements may be appropriatelysupported in the mold preparatory to the casting of the plates. Sincethe reinforcement elements are carefully spaced so as to impart thedesired strength to the structure, it is possible by this means toreduce the thickness of the plate I, and thereby to reduce the weight ofthe finished product. This reduction in thickness is indicated in Figs.1 and 2 by the panel 8, forming a rectangular recess on the reverse sideof the plate between pillar sections 2 and 4, as well as between pillarsections 3 and 5. The pillar sections 2 and 3 are shown as being spaceda slight distance from the edge surfaces 9v of the plate.

All of the vertical pillars 2, 3, 4 and 5 of each plate are intended tolie adjacent to or overlap similar pillar sections of the plate thatforms the opposite wall surface of the hollow wall structure. In orderto connect the plates together to form a strong, self-supportingearthquake resistant structure, pins or the like may be passedtransversely through the cooperating overlapped pillar sections. Forthis purpose, apertures such as I0 and II are provided, extendingthrough all of the pillar sections in a horizontal direction. The upperseries of aperthe anchoring pins.

They also provide a symreversible. As the courses are laid, theinsertion of the pin is readily accomplished by inserting the hand intothe hollow formed between the inner and outer plates.

One of the problems in molding of the plate in quantities involves thedesirability of reducing the amount of equipment required to produce theplates. For this reason it is advantageous to arrange matters in such away that the mold structures may be quickly stripped of the moldedarticles without the necessity of waiting for extended periods for theplates to set therein. Provision must also be made to prevent thearticles from adhering to the mold sides. It has been proposed in thepast to accomplish this latter result by coating the active moldingfaces with an oily solution, as by painting or spraying these. surfaces.This, however, entails considerable additional labor, and furthermore,this expedient may not be fully eflicacious. Furthermore, at best themolded article must be retained in the mold until it is sufliciently setto be supported without excessive slumping after stripping.

The present invention overcomes these difiiculties and obviates thenecessity of long retention in the molds, or of utilizing a non-adherentliquid coating. For this purpose the mold I 2 (Fig. 10), in which theplate I is to be cast, is lined with paper l3. This paper may beordinary builders paper comprising a plurality of plies joined togetheras by an asphaltic or other water-proof composition. The apertures l0and II in the plates are formed as by the insertion of through rods l4,forming cores for these apertures. 1

After pouring the material into the open mold I2, the top of the moldmay be leveled off as by troweling or the like. Then the cores l4 may beremoved and shortly thereafter the entire mold l2 with its article maybe inverted upon a supporting pallet, and the mold I! lifted. The pliantpaper I5, of course, does not adhere to the mold surfaces, but doesadhere to the wet plastic material, such as cement or concrete,composing the plate I. This adhesion of the paper [5 to the moldedarticle is ensured by subjecting the article and the paper to a steamingprocess in a suitable kiln. Upon removal of the cured article from thekiln, the paper is permanently adhered. This adhesion is probably due tothe partial dissolution by the steam of the glucose matter used in themanufacture of the paper. This glucose contacts the plastic material ofthe plate and serves as a bond between the article and the paper.

When the mold I2 is inverted and the molded product stripped from it,the paper It adheres to. the product and assists materially inpreventing the newly cast article from slumping. In this way the periodof retention in the mold I! for obtaining a sumcient set may beconsiderably reduced; and the mold if can immediately be used overagain. The pallets carrying the newly molded plate, may be placed inappropriate kilns or the like for curing purposes.

The paper I5 is especially useful for preventing adhesion of thesemi-dry or plastic concrete to the mold surfaces. Were it not for thepaper, the suction between the mold surfaceand the newly made concretesurface would be so great as to lift and distort the freshly madeconcrete. By the aid of the intervening paper layer, this difflculty isobviated.

As will be pointed out hereinafter, the paper It serves as an insulationmedium between the plates forming the front and back side of the wallstructure. The paper is substantially waterproof. It stops any moisturethat may be condensed on the wall from passing through to the other sideof the wall. This is an important feature, which will be hereinaftermore thoroughly discussed.

The manner of laying the courses in horizontal series is bestillustrated in Figs. 2 and 5. For example, the plates l which form theexterior wall of the structure shown in Fig. 5, may be placed in aseries of horizontal courses. The vertical edges 9 of the course formingone wall side is kept in alinement for the entire height of the wall;but the courses forming the other wall surface are vertically andhorizontally offset or staggered from the courses forming the exteriorwall surfaces.

The manner in which the vertical pillar sections may be utilized toproduce the staggered positioning of the plates on opposite sides of thewall may be best explained in conjunction with the wall structureillustrated at the left hand portion of Fig. 2. This figure represents ahorizontal section through one course. Therein it is seen, for example,that the vertical edges 9 of the adjacent plates forming the exteriorwall surface, are staggered with respect to the corresponding verticaledges 9 of the adjacent plates forming the interior wall surface. Atabout the middle portion of the left hand wall illustrated in Fig. 2,there are shown respectively the edge pillar section 2 of one plate anda corresponding edge pillar section 3 of the next adjacent plate Hi.There is a space between the adjacent edges 9 of these two platestructures 1 and i6. These pillar sections 2 and 3 on the left hand wallare disposed within the space formed between the intermediate pillarsections 4 and 5, of the opposite plate I'I.

These four pillar sections 2, 3, 4 and 5, thus have cooperating surfacesthat would be in direct contact, were it not for the separation affordedby the layers of paper l5. In this form of the inverrtlon, the edgepillar sections 2 and 3 do not completely fill the space between theintermediate pillar sections 4 and 5. Instead a. space is provided for avertical stud l8, which is continuous from the bottom to the top of thecompleted. wall structure. This vertical stud l8 may be of wood or thelike. Due to the vertical space between the edges 9 on the interiorwall, opposite the stud l8, the stud I8 is available through this spacefor utilizing the stud as an anchoring means for elements to besupported on the interior wall.

A similar vertical stud I9 is indicated in the lower portion of Fig. 2,as accommodated between the cooperating edge pillar sections 2 and 3.These edge pillar sections 2 and 3, with the stud l9, fill the spacebetween the intermediate vertical pillar sections 4 and 5 of a plate I.The space between the vertical edges 9 on the exterior of the wallstructure permits access to the vertical stud l9.

When the course immediately above the course illustrated in Fig. 2 islaid, intermediate pillar sections corresponding to sections 4 and 5 areplaced squarely above these sections 4 and 5; and similarly, the edgepillar sectons 2 and 3 are laid immediately over the edge sections ofthe lower course.

A vertical offset is provided between the inner plates I and theexterior plates 1. This is illustratedl most clearly in Fig. 5. This isaccomplished (Fig. 5) by arranging the lowermost course'of the innerwall of plates to have only half the height of the other plates I. Inthis way the meeting edges 2| of the adjacent courses on the interiorwall are vertically staggered from the exterior plates by a distancecorresponding to half the height of a complete plate. The top course ofthe exterior wall structure is formed by plates22 similar to'plates 26,but in reverse position.

Attaching or anchoring means for the plates are provided in the form ofelongated pins 23 which pass transversely through the apertures l0 and Hin the plates I, 16, I1, 20, 22, etc. These anchoring pins 23, ofcourse, must also pass through the continuous vertical studs I8 and I9,provided with apertures for the accommodation of these pins. Thereinforcing wires or bars 1 are so arranged as to strengthen theconcrete behind the pin holes.

As most clearly seen in Fig. 2, the multiple layer of builders paper I5,being disposed over the interior surface of all of the plates that formthe wall structure, serves completely to insulate the interior wall fromthe exterior wall. Condensed water or moisture is prevented from passingfrom the exterior to the interior wall, by the intermediate layers ofpaper.

Due to the reduction in the thickness of the plates intermediate thepairs of vertical pillar sections 2, 4 and 3, 5, the insertion of theanchoring pins 23 by hand is rendered easy, for adequate space isprovided for the hand of the operator. As one staggered course of platesis being laid, holes l0 and II for the pins 23 are but onefourth of thedistance below the top of that course which is opposite the course beinglaid.

Accordingly, it is relatively easy to insert these pins. By spacing theapertures I0 and I I for connecting pins 23 one-quarter of the height ofthe plate above and below the lower and upper edges of the platerespectively, the panels aremade reversible. This results in asubstantial decrease in the number of molds required. It also makes theerection of the wall easier and increases the horizontal strength.

The manner in which the foundation is provided for the vertical wallstructure is illustrated most clearly in Fig. 5. In this figure thefoundation is shown as of poured concrete or other plastic cementitiousmaterial. It may include a rather broad base 24, a wall portion 25, anda top portion 26, shown as extending for some distance between thelowermost plate courses. Reinforcement, indicated in general by the bar21, may be provided as desired. Ordinary wood or other means for pouringparts 24 and 25 of the foundation may be provided, but the lower edge ofthe vertical wall structure may be used as the form for the pouring ofthe top portion 26 of the foundation. This top portion, due to theenlarged lower edge 28, effectively keys and anchors the bottom wallstructure. The continuous vertical studs, such as 18 and I9, may besimilarly anchored in place in the concrete foundation.

A roof structure may be supported upon the top of the Wall illustratedin Fig. 5. This may include a roof plate 29 (Figs. 5 and 6). ture asdescribed provides a convenient fastening means for the roof plate 29.-Thus as illustrated in Fig. 6, the intermediate pillar sections 4 and 5and. the edge pillar sections 2 and 3, to-

' gether with the vertical stud l8 adjacent the top of the wallstructure, may be joined together as by The wall structhe anchoring pin30. These anchoring pins may have a vertical extension 3| with athreaded end 32. The vertical extension 3| is intended to pass throughappropriate apertures in the roof plate 29. A nut 33 threaded on theextension 32 may be used to fasten the roof plate 29 on top of the wallstructure. Only some of the uppermost series of anchoring pins need beextended upwardly as indicated.

A complete vertical wall structure of any height and width can readilybe constructed by utilizing the form of plate illustrated in Fig. l;together with plates, such as plate 20 (shown in the lower portion ofFig. 5), which correspond to the lower or upper edge of the plate shownin Fig. 1; together with plates corresponding to the right or left handhalf of the plates shown in Fig. 1. Also, by omitting appropriate platesor half plates in the courses, door and window openings are formed. Theopenings can be made to conform to desired sizes by providing forappropriate omissions of parts of the wall plates, during the moldingoperation of the plates. The plates have closely contacting verticalpillar sections through which the anchoring pins pass. Accordingly, theplates forming these wall openings are adequately and securelysupported, even when lateral or vertical support is omitted at the edgesof these openings.

It is necessary, of course, for a complete building structure, toprovide for corner structures. Such a corner construction is mostclearly illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. c

In order to form this corner construction, the plate l1 defining oneexterior side of the angle, has, in addition to the edge pillar section34 (Figs. 2 and 4) another spaced pillar section 35. These two pillarsections form a channel or space for the accommodation of acorresponding pillar section 36 formed on the edge of plate 31 definingthe other exterior side of the angle.

The pillar section 35 is arranged to overlap the pillar section 5 formedon the inner plate l6. Similarly, the inner surface of pillar section 36of plate 31 is arranged to overlap the pillar section 2 of a plate I.faces of pillar sections 35 and 36 define an inner right angle withinwhich a continuous triangular corner post stud 38 maybe located. Thisstud 38 is overlapped by the edges 9 of the plates l and I6.

Fig. 4 illustrates the location of the reinforcement material within thepillar sections 34 and 35 of the plate l1.- These can comprise a seriesof horizontal bars 39 extending across the whole length 'of the platel1, together with U-shaped bars 49, the legs of which extend into thepillar sections 34 and 35. These horizontal reinforcing bars may bejoined as by the vertical bars 4|.

The reinforcement for plate 31 is clearly illustrated in Fig. 3. Herealternate horizontal bars 42 are shown as having outwardly turnedelements 43 to extend toward the tip of the pillar section 36.

The locking pin 44 is provided for passing through the pillar sections35, 36, and 34. Similarly, the locking pin 45 may pass through thepillar section 2 of the plate I into the pillar section 36.

By appropriate reversal of the position of the plates l1 and 31 foralternate courses, the corner construction is strongly keyed to thecorner Furthermore, the inner' horizontal courses more stronglytogether. For this purpose the horizontal edges of the superposed platesI, 81, 22, etc., are provided with grooves 46 (Fig. 8). These grooves,as illustrated most clearly in Fig. 5, define horizontal channelsintermediate the front and rear surfaces of the plates. At the frontsurfaces 6 of these plates the edges do not quite contact, asillustrated by the slot 41 in Fig. 8. Reinforcement bars, such as thesquare bar 48 (Figs. 8 and,9) which may be of iron or structural steel,may be inserted in the groove 46 and may be grouted or otherwise securedin place. The bars 48 thus serve as keying elements for the series ofvertically arranged courses of plates defining the wall structure. Thegroove 46 is purposely made large enough and with suflicient clearanceto permit the use of grouting or mortar. Furthermore, the groove is nottruly circular, but is oval so as to enlarge the cross section withinwhich the bar 48 is accommodated, and to serve effectively as a,trap formoisture, should any pass through the slot 41. Also, the shape of thegroove 46 assists in minimizing slumping of the inner edges of theplates during the molding operation.

The groove 46 formed between the adjacent edges may also be utilized foranchoring take-off walls. Such a structure is shown most clearly inFigs. 5 and '7. Here the anchor bar 49 is shown as formed in a rightangle. The wall construction 50 is accommodated by one arm of the bar49. The other arm is accommodated within the wall construction 5|extending at right angles to the wall construction 50. The horizontalleg of the bar 49 is of course accommodated within the groove 46 formedbetween courses of wall 6|. Where the bend occurs in the bar 49, theslot 41 leading to the groove 46 is enlarged, to permit the passage ofthe bar at right angles to the groove. The anchor bar 49 may be groutedin place.

Adjacent the place where a half plate 52 cooperating with plates formingthe other side of the wall structure 5|. The bars 48, in addition totheir utility for purposes of reinforcement, or anchoring, also insurebetter alinement of the individual plates forming the wall structures.The spaces between vertical edges of the plates, and the spaces betweenhorizontal courses may be left intact in the finished wall.Alternatively, these spaces may be filled with mortar or grouting, asdesired, to secure a decorative efiect. Such mortar or grouting is notat all essential for strength, the structure being remarkablyself-supporting due to the provision of the overlapping pillar sectionsand the pins passing transversely therethrough.

The exposed wall surfaces may of course be treated in any desired mannerfor providing a decorative finish. The wall, however, can be renderedsufliciently decorative on the exterior by the addition of a layer ofstucco. Or provisions may be made to embed sand within the exposed faceof the plates, as by placing sand,

during the molding operation, upon surfaces of these plates which restupon the pallets. This serves to prevent the concrete mixture from whichthe plate is formed from adhering to the pallet, as well as giving apleasing finish to. the exterior of the wall. It is often desirable toprovide supports for floor joists, when a multistory building isconstructed. The structure thus far described is adapted for suchmulti-story it contacts the wall, structure 56, the wall structure 5|may utilize buildings; and several ways in which additional stories maybe provided will now be described.

Thus plates I are so arranged in conjunction with the vertical studs,such as |8, |9 in Fig. 2,

that it is a relatively simple matter to provide a support for floorjoists. In Figs. 11, 12 and 13,

the wall structure 66 is formed of inner and outer plates 56, 51, havinginter-engaging pillar sections 58 and studs 69, pins 29 holding the wallin assembled relationship, all as before. At the place where the flooris wanted, a header 66 is secured to the wall 63 by a plurality ofeye-bolts 6|. The manner in which these bolts are supported by the wallwill now be described.

Each bolt 6|, as clearly shown in Fig. 12, includes an eye 62 throughwhich one of the anchoring pins 26 is passed. The threaded shank 63"ofthe bolt 6| passes through wall plate 56 and header 60. Nut 64 securesthe header against the wall. The studs 59 are mortised as indicated at65, to accommodate the eye 62. An eye bolt 6| may be provided at eachstud 59, to form a horizontal series; the bolts thus have a spacingcorresponding to the spacing of studs 69, or some of these studs may beleft free of the eye bolts. Alternate studs 59, being opposite the slotsformed between adjacent adges of plates 66, the eye bolts 6| cooperatingwith such studs can pass through the slots, as illustrated in Fig. |8.,For those bolts 6| which must extend through the center ofa plate'66,appropriate apertures may be formed in these plates. Floor joists 66 maythen be supported on the header in a well understood manner.

Thicker columnar portions, as illustrated in Fig. 14, may be provided atdesired points in the vertical walls, for providing strength as for longwalls, and also for supporting additional stories. Thus a special halfplate 61 is intended to be inserted in place of a standard half-plate,and made deeper, to provide a large vertical recess 68. This recess maybe used to receive large plumbing pipes, or for forming heavy supportingpiers.

In the latter cases the recess 68 may be filled, if desired, withconcrete. These piers may be used for supporting a superstructure, orfor walls of considerable length without interconnecting walls.

What is claimed is:

1. In a hollow wall and anchoring foundation therefor, a series of innerand outer courses of plates respectively defining spaced inner and outerwall surfaces, fastening means for holding said inner and outer coursestogether, and a foundation east through the space in the wall betweenthe inner and outer plates and extending below said wall structure andinto the wall space.

2. In a wall structure, a plurality-of preformed plates forming anexterior wall surface, a plurality of similar preformed plates formingan interior wall surface, the plates forming one wall surface havingvertical pillar sections overlapping similar vertical pillar sections ofthe plates forming the other wall surface, fastening means passingthrough said pillar sections, at least some of the fastening meansnearest the top of the wall having vertical extensions, and a roof plateanchored by said extensions.

3. In a wall structure, a plurality of preformed plates forming anexterior wall surface, a plurality of similar preformed plates formingan in terior wall surface, the plates forming one wall surface havingvertical pillar sections overlapping similar vertical pillar sections ofthe plates forming the other wall surface, pins passing through saidpillar sections, at least some of the pins nearest the top of the wallhaving vertical threaded extensions, and a roof plate through which theextensions pass and fastened to the top of the wall by said extensions.

4. A wall structure comprising a set of exterior and a set of interiorplates formed of cementitious material, said plates having interengagingpillar sections between the interior and exterior plates, andsupplemental separating means permanently adhered to at least some ofthe plates, and interposed between the exterior and interior plates toprevent substantial direct contact between any exterior and anyinteriorplate.

5. A wall structure comprising a set of exterior and a set of interiorplates formed of c'ementitious material, and a layer of insulationpermanently adhered to the interior surface of at least some of theplates to interrupt substantial direct contact between any exterior andany interior plate.

6. A preformed plate for building purposes, made from a cementitiousmaterial, and a closely adherent pliant layer of insulation materialpermanently adhered to at least a portion of that surface of the platewhich is intended to be placed adjacent a similar plate to form anexterior and an interior wall surface.

v'7. In a building structure, a plurality of courses of interior andexterior plates, said plates having vertical pillar sections, thesections of the 8X: terior plates overlapping the sections of theinterior plates, and a continuous stud adjacent said sections andextending through all of the courses.

8. In a building structure, a plurality of courses of interior andexterior plates, each of said plates having vertical edge pillarsections as well as spaced intermediate pillar sections, the exteriorand interior plates of each course having edge pillar sections of oneplate cooperating with intermediate pillar sections of the oppositeplate, and continuous vertical studs extending between adjacent edgepillar sections.

9. In a building structure, a plurality of courses of interior andexterior plates, each of said plates having vertical edge pillarsections as well as spaced intermediate pillar sections, the exteriorand interior plates of each course having edge pillar sections of oneplate cooperating with intermediate pillar sections of the oppositeplate, and continuous vertical studs extending between adjacent edgepillar sections, the edges of adjacent plates being spaced to permitaccess to, the studs.

10. .In a building structure, a plurality of courses of interior andexterior plates, each of said plates having vertical edge pillarsections as well as spaced intermediate pillar sections,

the exterior and interior plates of each course having edge pillarsections of one plate cooperating with intermediate pillar sections ofthe opposite plate, continuous vertical studs extending between adjacentedge pillar sections, and pins passing transversely through the sectionsand the stud.

11. In a building structure, a plurality of courses of interior andexterior plates, each of said plates having vertical edge pillarsections as well as spaced intermediate pillar sections, the exteriorand interior plates of each course having edge pillar sections of oneplate cooperating with intermediate pillar sections of the oppositeplate, continuous vertical studs extending between adjacent edge pillarsections, eye bolts disposed between adjacent edge pillar sectionswithin recesses formed in the studs, pins passing transversely throughthe sections, the stud and the eye of said eye bolt, there beingapertures in said plates through which said bolts project, and a headersecured against the plates by said bolts.

12. In a building structure, a plurality of courses of interior andexterior plates, each of said plates having vertical pillar sections,the sections of the interior plates overlapping the sections of theexterior plates, transverse anchoring pins passing through theoverlapped sections, and anchor bolts for supporting a floor structure,anchored by some of said pins.

13. In a building structure, a plurality of courses of interior andexterior plates, each of said plates having vertical pillar sections,the sections of the interior plates overlapping the sections of theexterior plates, transverse anchoring pins passing through theoverlapped sections, vertical studs'extending past said sections, andanchor bolts for supporting a floor structure, extending from the studsand anchored therein by some of said pins.

14. In a hollow wall structure, a series of plates having verticalpillar sections, and forming opposite wall surfaces, the pillar sectionsof the plates overlapping withthose of the plates forming the oppositewall surface, and transverse fastening means passing through the pillarsections, one of the plates having a panel portion forming a recesstherein substantially deeper than that formed in the horizontallyadjacent plates whereby a columnar structure is formed.

15. A preformed plate for building purposes, said plate having one ormore pillar sections arranged on one side thereof, and a closelyadherent pliant layer of insulation material permanently adhered to saidone side and substantially entirely covering and contacting the pillarsection surfaces and the remaining surface of said one side.

JOHAN'NES C. P. LEEMHUIS.

